James “Jim” Patrick Reilly, 84, lifetime member of Dubuque, IA, died on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the Veterans’ Home at Manteno, IL.

A prayer service will be held at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Jim will be at 10:30 am on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Church of the Resurrection with Father Phil Gibbs as the Celebrant. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. Full military honors will be rendered by American Legion Post #6 and the Iowa Army National Guard.

Jim was born June 15, 1941, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Ray and Monica (Richter) Reilly. He graduated from Loras Academy and Loras College.

Jim proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1963 until he was honorably discharged in 1965. He was stationed in Germany and served as a Chaplain’s Assistant.

On August 19, 1967, he married Kathleen “Kay” Cook at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque. She preceded him in death on December 29, 1992.

Jim worked in Product Support for John Deere Dubuque Works until he retired after 35 years. If the name John Deere came up he would always say “nothing runs like a Deere.”

When Jim was a member of Church of the Resurrection he served as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, and assisted with the fall festival. He was proud of the activities he assisted with at the church and was always happy to help wherever needed. Jim enjoyed staying active, whether it be exercising and swimming at the Dubuque YMCA or taking his daily walk around the neighborhood when the weather allowed. Jim’s devotion to St. Francis of Assisi was expressed in the simple joy he found in feeding the birds and squirrels either relaxing on his porch swing in the summer months and making sure in the winter all the animals that found their way to his porch were well fed. He also enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs, an ice cold root beer, and a big bowl of ice cream.

After suffering a stroke in the summer of 2023, Jim went to live with his children in the Chicago suburbs. As his needs progressed, he moved to Manteno Veterans facility in the fall of 2024. He was a loved member of that community and they treated him with honor, dignity, and respect for his service to our country.

Survivors include his two sons, Kevin Reilly of Oak Forest, IL, and Jim (Grace) Reilly of Orland Park, IL; three grandchildren, Athena, Jason, and Jonathan; eight great-grandchildren, Leo, Isaiah, Tessa, Enzo, Roman, Riley, Rocco, and Remi; son-in-law, Dan Sujack; and two sisters, Sharon Ehlinger of Dubuque, and Maureen “Mickey” (Mike) Digman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kay; one daughter, Laura Sujack; sister, Patricia Wemett; and brother-in-law, Dave Ehlinger.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Jim’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.